Kegerator Hoses - Help

[wyclef]

Hey, I inherited a bunch of corny keg homebrew stuff... the co2 regulator is the one that has dual pressure gauges sort of looks like this one...

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...Product_Code=JO60-2-K44BC&Category_Code=DPReg

except the left pressure barb thing is a barb with the red switch but it's a thick one like 3/8 maybe and then the right barb is more like a 1/4" barb fitting without the red switch thing. ideally i'd have the same size on both so i can use one tube size so my question is which one do i want and what hose size should i get for gas? the guy who used it before was using clear bevlex 200 hoses for beer and gas there are an assortment of sizes available from 5/16" ID x 9/16" OD and then 1/4" ID and 1/2" OD and it looks like the ball lock thing that go on the keg are using 1/4" barbs but all the hose i have is clear and different lengths... not sure how long i want, what hoses and sizes and barbs and stuff i need, want, should get, etc.

also, the regulator doesn't have a washer to connect to the co2 tank with do i want the nylon co2 tank regulator washers or should i get those co2 tank perma seals that you use an allen wrench to tighten?

also, can someone explain to me how to properly and safely operate the dual stage regulator because all i know is that you screw the thing into the tank, and adjust some screws to change pressure... i don't really know the order of doing things and if the screws should be in all the way or out all the way when i screw the regulator to the tank.... if its ok to hook up the regulator if its not going to be hooked up to the keg, ordering of connecting and disconnected, etc.

 

[beerman1957]

I use red silicone-rubber tubing available on many brew sites but you could just use Home Depot reinforced vinyl. As far as Diameter, just get the correct size. Take the regulator and try it out at HD or Lowes or any plumbing supply.

For length, that doesn't matter. Just buy enough to get the job done. Be sure to get stainless steel clamps.

Washers for the CO2 can be bought a a welding supply store or at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZFVDS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

As far as sequence, there isn't any. Just hook the regulator to the tank, then the hoses to the kegs. Pressurize the lines with CO2. There is no "GENTLY" because it is an ON/OFF thing. I have tried to gently do this, but it really can't be done. You WILL need a washer for the regulator before you pressurize it. You can leave the regulator on the tank until it runs out. No need to remove it.

 

[wyclef]

so when i go to get the co2 tank filled i need to have the regulator screwed on? on the regulator is clockwise or counterclockwise open up the pressure? would u reccomend just the nylon washers or should i get one of those perma seal ones that screw into the tank with an allen wrench?

 

[beerman1957]

No, you can't fill the tank with the regulator on, obviously. Get the tank filled then when you get home, just screw on the regulator. You can test for leaks by simply turning the tank on. The regulator screws on clockwise, nothing fancy there although I turn mine with a wrench to tighten, but not over tighten. Just tighten until it stops.
. You could ask at a welder shop if they have washers for the regulator, since most have them. It doesn't really matter what they are made of. You could also take the regulator to Lowes or HomeDepot and try to get a flat washer that would fit. I recommend just getting the correct equipment.

Don't worry about all this so much. As long as you have a washer on the regulator, things should go well.